Introduction
The Yashruti Tariqah is a reformist branch of the Shadhili Tariqah (a prominent Sufi order) founded by Ali Nur al-Din al-Yashruti. This Islamic order played an important role in religious and social reforms particularly in Palestine, Syria, and East Africa.
Etymology and Translation
- Etymology:
- Arabic: طَريقَةُ الْيَشْرُوطِيَّة (ṭarīqah al-Yashrūṭīyah)
- Turkish: Taşrıtiyye Tarikatı
- The term Tariqah (طَرِيقَة ) refers to the “path” or “way” in Sufism, and Yashruti is derived from the founder’s name, Ali Nur al-Din al-Yashruti.
Historical Context
- Founder: Ali Nur al-Din al-Yashruti
- Geographical Scope: Initially concentrated in Palestine, with extensive spread across Syria, North Africa, and especially East Africa.
- The order played a critical role in the pan-Islamic movement and received the support of the Ottoman sultans during the nineteenth century.
Activities and Influence
- Missionary Work: The Yashruti Tariqah established various religious centers and performed significant missionary work, particularly along the eastern coastal region of Africa.
- Reforms: The movement had a notable impact on religious and social reforms in the regions it reached, promoting a rigorous interpretation of Islam.
- Political Stance: Though not a major political force, Yashruti leaders occasionally clashed with local rulership and sometimes faced European control exerted over the territories they operated in.
Significance
The Yashruti Tariqah played an influential part in reviving and establishing a strong, disciplined approach to Islamic practice and served as an anchorage for Islamic identity and solidarity, specifically reinforced under the Ottoman patronage.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Shadhiliyya Sufi Order: A Study in the Development of Sufism” by Ali Hassan El-Kettani
- “Sufism and Islamic Reform in Egypt: The Battle for Islamic Tradition” by Nathan Hofer
- “Ottoman Sufism in the Age of Reform: Between the Old Order and the New” by John J. Curry
Takeaways
- The Yashruti Tariqah is notable for its contributions to Islamic reform, particularly in Palestine, Syria, and East Africa.
- The tariqah was supported during the Ottoman Empire’s period and participated actively in the pan-Islamic movement.
- While not heavily political, the Yashruti leadership often positioned itself in opposition to certain policies or external controls when deemed necessary.
Conclusion
The Yashruti Tariqah encapsulates a critical period in Islamic history where Sufi orders sought to harmonize spiritual practices with societal reforms. By embedding itself deeply within different regions, the Yashruti Tariqah transcended geographical boundaries to impact Muslim communities across diverse locales, underpinning not just the spiritual but also socio-political fabrics of these societies.
